In Memory Of

Marion "Betty" Elizabeth McArthur

Nov 21, 1940 - Oct 24, 2023

Service

Saturday, November 18, 2023
A service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2:00pm at Heritage Ranch in Red Deer, AB.

Notice

Donations in memory of Betty can be made to the Airdrie Foodbank https://www.airdriefoodbank.com/give.

Obituary

McArthur, Marion “Betty”
1940 - 2023
Betty McArthur was born in Spirit River, AB on November 21, 1940, and given the name Marion Elizabeth Graham.
She passed away October 24, 2023, in Rocky Mountain House. She was raised in Blueberry Mountain but left the rural school to graduate in Spirit River. Always a hard worker, she began work at 14, clerking in the general store before it was legal to work. At 16 she left home to take a summer job in Banff. Betty married Stan McArthur in 1960 and moved to Entwistle where she worked for the village for six years. In 1968 they happily moved to Grande Prairie where they raised their children, Donna & Dwayne.
Betty was very active in the community wherever she lived, always involved with the United Church, serving on the Board, many committees, and the UCW. As well, Betty spent many fulfilling years serving as a school board trustee on the GP Public School Board. In 1986 they moved to Airdrie where she worked tirelessly for the Airdrie Foodbank for twenty years. In her late forties, Betty inspired everyone by going back to school to become a registered massage therapist and maintained a thriving practice for 25 years.
Betty & Stan traveled to many places, finally adopting the snowbird life in Yuma, AZ which they enjoyed for many years. A highlight trip was when, in her 60’s, she traveled alone with a volunteer organization to Africa to work at a children’s orphanage.
Family was most important to Betty. She enjoyed Stan’s large clan and was especially close to her own sisters, brothers and their families. But it was Donna, Dwayne and Stan who maintained top priority for all of Betty’s life. She was thrilled to become a Mom, and over the moon when she finally became a grandma to Matt, Cati and Jake. The legacy she leaves them lies in the work ethic and strength of character they inherited from her.
Betty leaves her daughter Donna and son-in-law John Swallow, their sons Matthew and Jake as well as her son Dwayne, his partner Christean and his daughter Cati.
Donna & Dwayne would like to thank the family for their tremendous support over the last few years with the biggest, heartfelt thanks to Heather Graham for all she has done.

A service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2:00pm at Heritage Ranch in Red Deer, AB.

Donations in memory of Betty can be made to the Airdrie Foodbank https://www.airdriefoodbank.com/give.

Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 845 2626

Condolences

Theresa Henderson:

My condolences on the passing of Betty. I knew Betty through Airdrie United Church. Betty was a marvelous volunteer there as well as the Food Bank. She has been missed in the community ever since she moved away. The last I heard from her was in 2021, when I received a very nice note when she renewed her Broadview(Observer) Magazine. I lost contact with her after that. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family now.

Carol Lynn Petersen:

So sorry to heard of Betty's passing. I have wonderful memories of our UCW days. Always a strong active member of Airdrie United Church & Nellie Pole UCW group.
I'm making baby blankets from her pattern & think of her while I enjoy the craft she taught me.
With Deepest Sympathy
To Family
Lynn Petersen
UCW Airdrie

Hazel George:

Donna, John, Dwayne and Christean and families, I was so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. She was such a caring person and so dedicated to making others feel better as she pursued her massage business. I suggested to her once that she could never retire as none of her clients would survive without her.

Hold her memories close and she will be with you always. Sincerely Hazel George

Sonia Matichuk:

Donna, Dwayne and families,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. It was always a pleasure to visit with your Mom. Cherish the many memories you all have.

A lovely tribute about your Mom and gorgeous photo. Sorry I will not be able to attend the celebration of life. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Memory Eternal.

Sonia Matichuk, Vermilion, AB

Barb Bjorkeland:

Donna, Dwayne, John, Christean, Matt, Cati, Jake and extended family,

I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She led a very active and productive life and her efforts made the lives of everyone she came in contact with better too. And such a lovely photo of Betty too.

May your memories of times spent with your Mom & Dad bring you peace.

I am sad I will miss her Celebration of Life as Sonia & I head to the “land down under” on Sunday.

Love,
Barb Bjorkeland

Post Your Condolence